How can we hold policymakers and Governments to account for ensuring youth unemployment rates are reduced?

•Amadou, 24, from Senegal said, “there is a need to lobby Governments so that the issue is included in government planning.” This call to activism and direct action was also agreed upon by Seabe, 23, from Botswana, Aku, 30, from Togo, and Lara, 21, from the United Kingdom. Lara reminded us that:

“Youth unemployment is a serious problem for the future of the economy and mindset of a generation, and policymakers need to be constantly aware of this. So, pressure groups and surveys being done to collate evidence and put pressure on Governments to make change would be an efficient way to hold policymakers to account.”

•Ayshah, 26, from Kenya told us that Governments should promote the creation of “job opportunities for young people by funding and developing informal training andvolunteering opportunities.”

•Yasmyn, 24, from Guadeloupe also agreed that Governments should be encouraged to promote and develop flexible jobs for young people.

Have you managed to create an opportunity out of a crisis? Are there any Middle Eastern entrepreneurs out there? Are there any African Mark Zuckerburgs? Or Asian philanthropists?

Seabe, 23, from Botswana recalled a chance encounter that he had earlier this year on a bus with an elderly person who said, “young people of this generation are well equipped, with technology, an inquisitive mind, schools to attend, programmes to follow, and at times people to guide you in your endeavors.” He went on to say that, “young people have nothing to lose in becoming entrepreneurs and hence we shouldn't be afraid to reach out for our dreams and take risks.” Seabe told us this had an impact on him: “I took his advice and I have been pitching ideas to a few investors for small start-ups.” So – let’s see what happens for Seabe!

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Twitterview with Monique Coleman, United Nations Youth Champion

United Nations Youth Champion, Monique Coleman (@gimmemotalk), was hosted by the United Nations Focal Point on Youth for a one-hour Twitter interview on: http://www.twitter.com/UNpYouth. Youth from around the world posed questions to Monique about various youth employment issues, including her own experiences and advice. Monique provided a down-to-earth perspective of her working life, even sharing her first job – babysitting! Click here to access the archive of the conversation on #youthjobs. Some of Monique’s most notable quotes included:

"Sometimes people don't see opportunities in front of them because they are clouded by a lack of belief in themselves."

"Remember that you are not alone. So, find other people who are in similar situations & see how you can combine talents."

"I strongly encourage entrepreneurship! Also social business. @Yunus_Centre has a great model for social business."

Some of the notable comments sent to Monique by young people included:

"The foundation of every State is the education and awareness of its youth.. without that #youthjobs seem unreal."

"What about #green #youthjobs and making this a priority for #rioplus20 #EarthSummit?"

"More #youthjobs can be created by skill development on indigenous knowledge and modern technical skills."

The UN Focal Point on Youth aims to build awareness of the global situation of young people, as well as promote their rights and aspirations, working toward greater participation of young people in decision-making as a means for achieving peace and development.